Merry Christmas to All

and to all a good night.

Jadyn is preparing herself for bedtime with some of her Daddy's tea. She is totally oblivious to what is about to take place. I can't wait to see her in the morning, what will it be like? Will she be overwhelmed? Will she be excited? How will she react. Stay tuned for the excitement! I'll post more picture later and maybe even a video or two (if I can get that one figured out).

Merry Christmas Eve,
Amy

Patience is a Virtue

I have stepped over to the other side, the Mac side that is. I am proud and excited to say that Pat and I got each other an iMac for Christmas and I am so excited. I am just vaguely familiar with a mac as that is what we used while we were in China, so I know just enough to be dangerous. But I am ready to learn.

So, meanwhile, you must be patient while I am in computer limbo. My pictures are all on the other computer, my printer is not hooked up, I don't know how to get my stuff from my old computer to the new one, but I can update my blog and email from the new one. Yay!

We are steadily preparing for Christmas and almost through with the shopping. We're looking forward to having a little one around the house again on Christmas and fully expect this year to be great. Last year was a tough Christmas as we were so close to seeing her face and knew that she would be spending Christmas alone in China, but now she's home where she belongs and a brand new kitchen (along with a few other goodies) awaits her. So, bear with me, I'll get everything up and running as soon as I figure it out.

AH

All I Want For Christmas...

...is for you to beat it!

This is our attempt to get a picture with good old Saint Nick and just as I expected, it was not high on Jadyn's to do list for the day. I'm sure she was thinking "who is this guy anyway?"

So, that jolly old man in the red suit was most accomodating and allowed Jadyn to "steal" his seat while he went behind the curtain. We tried to get her to smile and of course, my smart little girl had it all figured out. This was when she looked up and saw him there, the rest of them she had free flowing tears. Well, Mr. Claus was not the least bit offended and still gave Jadyn her favorite thing in the world, a sucker. So all in all, I'm pleased with the outcome.

Friday Photo Fun

So, I missed last week, but this week is definitely worth the wait. I actually
took the picture a week or so ago when went in to get Jadyn up for church. I
yelled for Zac to bring my camera and when he came into the room he simply said "oh my". I'll just let the picture speak for itself.

7 Months Today

Dear Jadyn,

Today you have been in our arms 7 months, my how time quickly passes. People
say that time flies when you're having fun, and boy, are we having fun!

You bring such joy to our lives and we often wonder what we did before
that special day in China that you were place in our arms. I can't believe
that it's been 7 months and that you are 20 months old today. You have changed
so much, from a little girl who could barely sit up, to a running - yelling -
talking - barrel of fun! You certainly keep us on our toes, but we wouldn't
have it any other way. We must have been some really boring people before
we brought you home.

As I reflect on Christmas, I remember how hard it was last year. Even though
we had not seen your face, we knew that God had you picked out for us and that
most likely, you were waiting for us somewhere in China. And you were. Waiting
patiently in the Fuling SWI in Fuling, China. In just a few short months after
Christmas, we saw your face. It was so hard knowing that you were in China and
we were here, we so wanted you to be with us. But, as the song says, "it's Christmas time again and now you're home". And that's just where you belong - home right here with those who adore you and will watch football and play with your dollhouse at the same time!

I love you Jadyn, with all my heart. Thank you for the past 7 months and for the unending joy that you bring into our lives. As I've said many, many times before, you make my heart smile.

I love you,
Mommy

Fuling Orphanage Video, Fuling China

This video was taken fairly recently at Jadyn's orphanage. It's
just one of the many facilities in China that these precious
children call home. Get yourself a tissue.



Last year, this song wrecked me, and this year it really starts the wheels in my head turning. Watch this video, if you have never considered adopting, listen carefully to the words - they tug at your heart strings, if you are in the process of adopting - go ahead, have a good cry, and if you have your children home where they belong - give them an extra kiss and a hug. Adoption really does change your life.

Friturday Photo Fun

Here is a picture that my brother took last week of Jadyn and me before church. It's one of my favorites.

Jadyn's Dedication Service

Friday Photo Fun

Someone knows WAY too much about the computer mouse. What's funny is that she moves it around and clicks away, like she's really doing something. Maybe she is, who knows???

So Much to be Thankful For

If I listed all the things that I am thankful for, the list would be practically endless. But, the picture above says it all. This is what makes my heart overflow with gratitude, my precious family. I am truly blessed.

From the Hood Family of 5 to your family,

Happy Thanksgiving from the bottom of our hearts.

We love you all!

Happy Birthday My Love!

To day is the love of my life's 41st birthday. So in honor of the big day, I'm going to list 41 reasons that we love him so.

1. He is the funniest person I know.



2. His feet are always warm, no matter how cold the night.



3. He is my first love.



4. He's the father of my children.



5. He filled out the preliminary application for adoption and suprised me!



6. He plays "I'm gonna get you" everynight with Jadyn.



7. He prays with me.



8. He loves me like no one ever has.



9. He ALWAYS seeks the Father's face on every issue.



10. He's proud of our boys.



11. He adores "Daddy's little girl".



12. He wants to adopt again.



13. He's hot.



14. He dresses really great.



15. He does our laundry.



16. He sweeps the wood floors.



17. He has more integrity than anyone I know.



18. He's my spiritual super hero.



19. He prays for our children.



20. He prays for me.



21. He lets my dog sleep with us.



22. He loves to shop.



23. He loves shoes.



24. He spends time every day with God.



25. He leads our family.



26. He's so smart.



27. He use to be red headed.



28. He makes me laugh when no one else can.



29. He makes our children laugh too.



30. He lets me sleep with my mattress warmer on in August.



31. He always drives when we go places together.



32. He takes such good care of me.



33. He don't mind if I sleep in socks.



34. He rarely complains about my flannel sleep pants.



35. He likes the same TV shows that I do.



36. He always watches them with me.



37. He always wants me to go to bed when he does.



38. He has a heart for the lost.



39. He has a heart for orphans all over the world.



40. He is our spiritual leader.



41. He's my best friend in the world.

I could go on and on and on, but since he's only 41, I guess I'll stop there. I love you baby, with all my heart. And your children love you too. I hope you had a wonderful birthday!

Friday Photo Fun

Happy Fall Ya'll!

No One Ever Told Me

Six months ago today, you quietly came into our lives. A stranger delivered you into my arms and I quickly began to feel my fears, worries, and the stress of a two year wait begin fade away. The emotions that I felt were the same emotions that I experienced the day that both of your brothers were placed in my arms. The joy was overwhelming and the magnitude of seeing the hand of God with human eyes as 14 families gathered in a small conference room in Chongqing, China and had their lives changed forever.

What have I learned over the past 6 months? The lessons have been many, too numerous to mention here, and one day, I will share all of those lessons with you, at just the right time. The time when you want to know what I learned during the long wait for you to be born, for you to lovingly be placed at the gate of an orphanage in Fuling, China by someone who loved you very much, for your paperwork to be completed and placed on the very same desk as our paperwork, for the match to take place, for the journey to be made, and for the our lives to be forever changed. Oh, the stories I can tell.

But what is ever in the forefront of my mind are the things that no one ever told me. Those things that I wasn't prepared for even though I read, studied, researched and prepared myself to the best of my ability. Like...

...No one told that I would experience an undying gratitude to a country that I only visited for 2 weeks. That everytime I see a picture, watch a show, or simply daydream about our travels, it takes me back to a place that I have developed a love for it's beauty, culture, and it's people - China - a land that I will never forget for it has given me one of it's greatest treaures - Fu Bao Jun.

...No one ever told me that not a day would go by without me praying for the family who God created to concieve, carry, give birth to, and finally place you where you would be found, cared for, and then lovingly deliver into our waiting arms.

...No one ever told me that I would grieve for your China Mother. That I would think about her and wonder what she is feeling. I know she must be very sad and I pray that God will give her a sense of peace. I will never be able to tell her what her gift of life, your life, has meant to me. Her gift has made me complete. I can't help but wonder if she has your spicy personality or your firey temper. I wonder if she holds her mouth like you hold yours when you get sleepy, almost in a pucker. I wonder if she loves the water, loves to go barefooted, or ate lots of fried rice while she was carrying you in her belly because you love it so. Did she place you there in the still of an April night? Did she wait across the road to see that the first person to arrive to work the next morning found you and took you in? Does she wonder now about those round, rosey cheeks and your tulip lips?

...No one told me that I would be changed forever. Oh, I've heard a million times, adoption changes your life, but no one ever told me that it changes everything about you inside and out. Beginning the adoption process, waiting on you, making the journey, and bringing you home changed who I am. It has caused me to want to be a better person - a better wife, mother, and ultimately a better Christ follower. You, sweet Jadyn, make me want to experience every second of being the mother of a toddler again. When I am away from you, I long to be with you. Watching you learn and grow causes me to marvel at the wonders of your mind. I am filled with gratitude for the lessons that you are teaching me.

I can't believe that it's been 6 months already - time really does fly when your changing diapers. Jadyn, you have renewed my soul, given me a new love for life, and simply put - you make my heart smile. Thank you for teaching me all these things while climbing on the dining room table, sticking your hand in the toilet, kissing cows, jumping on the leather couch with your shoes on, and allowing me to step in your breakfast banana in my sock feet. You, sweet one, are a master teacher. I only hope that I can continue to learn the lessons that you have for me. I love you with all my heart, Jadyn Grace BaoJun Hood.

Mommy

The Obsession Continues

Be very, very quiet, I'm hunting dum dums!

I briefly mentioned in a previous post about Jadyn's current obsession with Dum Dums. Well, it's getting worse and it looks as though we are going to have to have some intervention. For whatever reason, I purchased a bag of the little devils for Halloween and she know's where they are, no matter how many times that you move them. I think she has Dum Dum ESP! Well, this is what we are dealing with due to her obsession with the Dum Dums.

Hmmm, where are those dum dums?

Caught in the act!

And this is after I put them in a bag and put them in the closet. She still searches for them. We can't keep her off of the dining room table. Oh well, a tootsie roll will have to do.

Friday Photo Fun

Well, here it is, what you have been waiting for all week - my favorite photo of the week. Let me just tell you, it was a tough decision this week as there were a significant number to choose from. I'm sure, however, they will be made available for public viewing at a later date.

I went into Jadyn's bedroom to get her up and couldn't resist going back and getting the camera. What a face. God has blessed us with such a beautiful little girl (if I do say so myself) and we are so thankful. We are taking applications for Jadyn's husband as we fully believe in and support arranged marriages! ;)

Pancakes, Football, and Cow Kissing!

Today was a super fun day. We started the day with our Saturday morning favorite breakfast food (well, Pat and Jadyn's Saturday morning favorite) peanut butter pancakes with cool whip. With that kind of beginning, I'm sure that your thinking that it just can't get any better - but wait, it does! We went to the Rec Park and watched Pat's football team play football. His little league team is in the play-offs, the semi-finals to be exact. They beat Franklin in over-time. I am much too old for over time games - my heart just can't take it any more. I needed something for a headache after it was all over. But, nonetheless, they won and will play their championship game next week! HOORAY Daddy! Football will FINALLY be over. (don't tell Pat I said that)

Next we went to the church for the Fall Festival. Let's just say that the highlight of the day was the petting zoo. Jadyn touched, man-handled, checked the teeth of, and kissed (yes, I said kissed) every animal in the pen, even the duck. Here's a run down of the animals she kissed -

• a little brown goat (complete with horns) who was not particularly impressed with the kiss,
• a white sheep, that was less than cooperative but was jerked into line when Jadyn grabbed the hair, fur, wooly stuff on either side of it's head
• a black and white bunny
• a black and brown sheep who wanted another kiss which is only expected behavior from a black sheep
• a rather dirty, large pig who got a kiss right on the forehead
• a black duck who's bill was grabbed and kissed before he knew what hit him
• an alpaca/llama looking thingy
• and finally her favorite - a sweet brown calf with big eyes. He got more than one kiss, I'm thinking there was a little favoritism involved here.

You are probably saying to yourself that you can't believe I let her kiss every animal in the pen, but I did. She thought it was great, the animals enjoyed it, and I'm almost sure that a germ or two won't hurt. But, never fear, we did clean our hands with hand sanitizer. Anyway, here's a few pictures from our very fun day.

By the way, check out her shirt. It says "I'm Famous in Chongqing". I ordered it off the internet and she proudly wore it today. She's pretty famous here too - at least to a calf, a duck, a bunny, a goat, 2 sheep, a pig, and a llama looking thingy, and oh yeah, a mom who allows her to kiss farm animals!

Later,

Jadyn, who kisses cows and Mommy, who lets her!

Friday Photo Fun

What do you do when you tire of someone being in your face with a camera all the time - you simply put the lens cap on for them. I LOVE this picture - Jadyn is over my camera and she simply picked up the lens cap and put it where it belonged - she is such a smart girl!

A and J (who is NOT ready for her close-up Mr. DeMille)

Happy Halloweeeeeeen!

What a night it has been. Jadyn is learning first hand about the really strange things we do in this country, and she is thinkings it's not half bad.

The dilemna of the day was what to wear, what to wear? She had 3 costumes to choose from, but we settled on what we think was the coolest.

Biker Babe J

Here is the biker babe in all her glory. We went on a hay ride with some friends and had a great time. She got a little fussy, so we hopped off and headed home on foot, luckily, we hitched a ride from the Neas'. Jadyn and I sat on the front steps and handed out candy. She unwrapped about 42 dum dums - which I'm still wondering why I bought a whole bag of those given her current obsession with dum dums. She has to have one for each hand - twice the sticky, twice the fun! And she eats on both of them.

The unwrapping of the Dum Dums!

The Zehr's came over and the kids enjoyed sitting on the porch, handing out candy, unwrapping dum dums, and posing for the camera. Here's some cute shots of the whole crew. A good time was had by all, except that Ashley ended up with something chewed up on her hand that we're not sure what it was, probably a dum dum.

Jadyn is fast asleep, I'm sure that I have a dum dum stuck to me somewhere that I'll find later, and all is well. Good night friends, loved ones and trick or treaters. Jadyn says thanks!

Friday Photo Fun - Times 2!

For your viewing pleasure, not one but two photos this week - since I missed last week it is the least that I could do. I thought about an apology post, but who has the time to type a lengthy, heartfelt, apology. Not me, I have a toddler.

So without futher delay, here they are.

I wear my suglasses at night...

because it's bright in my bedroom.

Suddenly she has started wearing these

sunglasses for whatever reason. I guess

just to give us a laugh, because it's

really funny!

This is from the pumpkin patch.

Everyone was very thirsty from

running and petting the calf. J

only wanted to drink Addie's juice

and not her own. Addie was a real

trooper. The face says it all! J

was too busy trying to drink all

of Addie's juice while she was

smiling for the camera!!!

Friday Photo Fun

Boy, once again, I have been a slacker. It was a tough decision on my favorite photo this week, I have taken tons of pictures. We had company last weekend, a family that traveled with us from Iowa. We were so excited to have their family visit us, it was a blast.

Jadyn and Mattea spent their first year of their life together at the Fuling Social Welfare Institute, we consider them to be "Fuling sisters". Most of the families feel the importance of keeping the connection between the girls and Jordan, the one little boy who was "delivered" into our hands on Mother's Day, May 13, 2007. After all, this is the only connection to our past. We have such a strong bond as a travel group, which is really neat. We check in fairly regularly with each other through a yahoo group despite our crazy, busy lives.

More later about our fun weekend.

Amy

FPF - Favorite Photo Friday

Lasy Friday, we went to the Dr. for blood work and two shots - Boo! and then went to the park for a play date with some friends - Yay!

It was hot and cheeks were rosy, but it's never too hot to swing. Here's a sweet picture from that day.

To Share One Moon

Happy Mid Autumn Moon Festival Day. And to think, you didn't even know it was a holiday!

September 25, 2007 marks the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival and is the second most important holiday in the Chinese culture. The Chinese Moon Festival is very much like Thanksgiving in North America. Families join together and admire the bright, full moon, while eating sweet moon cakes and enjoying one anothers company.

Under this full moon friendships are renewed, families are reunited, and long lost lovers find their way back to each other. Under the bright moonlight, the families toast each other, family togetherness and wish peace for everyone. Familes also reflect on those family members that cannot be with them on this special night. If only for a brief time, they can be joined together by looking at the same moon. It's a time for reflection on the bounty of the harvest, loved ones, and to wish our families and friends well. This holiday is celebrated by nearly everyone in China, both young and old, rich and poor.

There are many legends and myths from thousands of years ago, but as time has passed, families celebrate much like we celebrate Thanksgiving, with food, family and friends and thankfulness. Chances are, tomorrow, Jadyn's birth mother and father will celebrate this very special Chinese holiday. Teaching Jadyn the Chinese culture is important to us, while teaching her from a Christian perspective. Quite likely, her parents will gaze at the moon and reflect on family members both near and far. Something in my heart tells me that her birthmother will long to know if she is okay. She will think of that very small bundle that she carefully placed at the gate of the orphanage and wonder where she is, is she safe, is she cared for? Having a mother's heart myself, tears fill my eyes as I reflect on the uncertainty she must have in her heart.

So, tomorrow night, I will go out onto my back patio, with the daughter that God blessed us with, and I will hold her close and pray this prayer.

"Father, you are the Creator of all things. The earth, the sun, and the moon are Yours. Thank you for the blessing of this child. As I look at the moon that You placed in the heavens, I ask you to bless Jadyn's birth family. But especially Father, wrap her mother in Your arms tonight. Lord, I pray that if tears fell from her eyes as she looked at the moon, that You dry them. Father, I pray that she will find comfort in You and You alone. As it is only from You that we find perfect peace. Help her to know in her heart that Jadyn is cared for and loved so very much. Give her that peace that passes all understanding. Father, you allowed her to give us the most perfect gift - the gift of Fu Bao Jun - Jadyn Grace BaoJun Hood, and for this gift we will be eternally grateful. Thank you for this gift."

I will reflect on my family, both far and near, on a family in China that we will be forever linked to, and on God's blessings. So, if you happen to notice that beautiful full moon, say a prayer of peace and thanksgiving.

With a very grateful heart,

Amy

Oops, I missed it again! - Favorite Photo Sunday

Well, here it is, Sunday morning and I missed making your day, again! Never let it be said that I am completely ignoring my duties, so here it is.

Favorite Photo Sunday!



Jadyn is all about spaghetti-o's and sometimes, well, they just seem to get out of control. I guess I could have also titled this post - "Spaghetti-O's Gone Wild"! As you can see, the best way to eat them is naked! Fortunately, the only one who eats them is Jadyn, so none of the rest of us are forced to take off our shirts to eat our spaghetti-o's. (Sorry for the visual!) We have found that we use much less Spray & Wash that way and I am in a much better mood.


















But just look at this smile - it's a smile of spaghetti-o contentment if I have ever seen one!





Enjoy!
Amy and the spaghetti-o queen!

Here's Another One!

I LOVE this fabric. This is another reversible jumper. The red/orange side has bugs appliqued on it and the other side is black fabric with bugs on it. It says word like EEK, Gross etc. It's really cute fabric. Jadyn looks so cure in black, this too, is one of my very favorite ones. I'm now working on my "fall line" so stay tuned for more goodies. I have just finished perhaps my very favorite jumper ever. I'm really into corduroy and my latest one is definitely a fave.

Favorite Photo Fri - turday

Sorry for the delay, we have been entertaining Nana and Papaw, or should I say, they have been chasing Jadyn. She has run everyone's legs off.

Anyway, onto the subject at hand. Here is my pic for the week. Jadyn insisted in having her quiet time with Pat as he was having his the other morning. I walked in on them and he was reading a devotional book on grace to her. She was trying to turn the pages, grab the pen out of his hand, and was less than reverent. I guess we'll try the QT thing again a little later.

Happy 4 Month Gotcha!

Sweet Jadyn Grace,

It's hard to believe that 4 months today, you were place in my arms. It seems like it was just yesterday, but it also seems like you have been in our lives forever.

We we traveled that day from Beijing to Chongqing, we were filled with anticipation. As we left the airport, we traveled another 2 hours to Fuling. We were just so excited. Our hearts were beating and our thoughts were of you. What would you be like? Would you cry? Would you be sad? Would you smile at us? There were many questions. The countryside on the way to Fuling was beautiful, but our thoughts were full, as well as our hearts.

Soon after arriving at the SWI, you were brought to the door by your nanny, as one by one, your Fuling sisters and brother was handed to their new Moms and Dads. There were many tears, much laughter, and the excitement filled the room. When it was our turn you were placed into our arms a scared little girl. We were crying, you were just looking at us, trying to figure it all out. What a day Jadyn.

You have come so far in the last 4 months. You could sit up when we got you, but that was about it. In the last 4 months, you have learned to roll over, crawl, walk, run, and many, many other things. You were so scared and that little scared look in your eyes will alway be something that I remember in my heart. You were scared, but full of peace. Jadyn, the joy that you bring to our lives is undescribable. We often say, what in the world did we do before we were blessed with you? We must have been so boring, because now, everything is centered around you. You are the center of all our lives, the source of unmeasurable joy. Waiting on you was one of the hardest things that we ever had to do, but I would wait a million years for you. I'd do it all over again. For in the past 4 months, all the stress of the wait just melted away.

What a priviledge to be chosen to be your Mommy. I thank God for you Jadyn, many, many times a day. He has blessed my life more that I could ever imagine. He placed you in my waiting arms 4 months ago today and filled a Jadyn shaped void in my life. I can't wait to watch you grown and develop and see what He has in store for you life.

I love you Jadyn Grace BaoJun Hood. Thank you for being my daughter.

Love,

Mommy

A Stitch in Time

Here's outfit #2. The jumper is reversible with the pink on one side and the polka dots on the other side. I made the green pants in tiny little corduroy. The third picture is Zac trying to button the model's jumper. Models are just so temperamental these days, you just can't find good help. Stay tuned, more to come tomorrow.

Sew What?

THE FISH DRESS!
Well, you ask for it, here is a few things that I have been making for Miss Priss. The fish dress is one of my favorites. She has got alot of wear out of it this summer.

My Mother was a wonderful seamstress and she always made sure that I knew the basics. I did take a refresher class on basic sewing, which I highly recommend. Occasionally, I have to look on the internet to find out what something means in the directions, but all in all, it goes pretty well. I love sewing and wish I had alot more time, but, if I had more time, I wouldn't have anyone to sew for! Right?

Favorite Photo Friday

"You've never made anything for the rest of us" said Pat.

"I know, but she's cuter than the rest of you" said Amy.

"Oh" Pat replied.

Enough said.

What Do You Think?

As you can tell, things have changed once again. I became so fond of the red and black theme that I asked my friend Verna to bring it back. What do you think about the new theme. I LOVE it.

Now, here's what you need to do. Verna is an adoptive Mom who is doing blog templates as a part of her fundraiser for her next adoption. She is logged in already and is anxiously awaiting Lily Grace. Check out her blog, email her and get her started right away on your new blog work. She is wonderful to work with, believe me, she's made about a million changes for me. You can give her something to work with, a color scheme, ideas etc. and turn her loose. She's just wonderful. So, if you're blog is boring, email her. She would love to help you out!!!

The Blog Fairy Has Struck!!

Hello dear friends of Amy,
This is the Blog Fairy here, lest you think it is Amy (it will say that Amy has posted this message). Do not be in shock at the new templates displayed her in the last 2 days. I offered to do a "tweaking" for Amy since she was kind enough to purchase a template from me. We liked the "Red Thread" template but decided to try green and pink since those are Jadyn's room colors. If you are dizzy from the quick change, it is understandable. Just know that it is not Amy who is sitting home messing on her computer. She has a life, I don't. ;)
Verna aka the Blog Fairy